(St. Louis, MO) – Eastern Illinois pulled off the first upset of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, but it wasn’t easy. Seventh seeded EIU led by 11 points with five minutes left in the game and held on for a 73-71 win over sixth seeded Tennessee State.
Second team all-conference performer Montell Goodwin led the Panthers (12-18) with 20 points, but it was Hazelwood Central graduate Ray Crossland (11 points & seven rebounds) blocking Delano Spencer’s potential game-winning three-point attempt, that sealed the victory.
Spencer led Tennessee State (15-15) with 17 points and second team all-OVC forward Christian Mekowulu added a double-double (15 points & 12 rebounds). EIU now faces third seeded Austin Peay.
Tennesse Tech Moves On
Despite struggling offensively fifth seeded Tennessee Tech (19-13) advanced to the OVC quarterfinals with a 60-51 triumph over Southern Illinois Edwardsville. Mason Ramsey led the Golden Eagles with 19 points. Eighth seeded SIUE, who finishes the season at 9-21, was led by Jalen Henry’s double-double (14 points & 15 rebounds). Recently Henry topped the 1,000 point scoring level and in Wednesday’s loss he picked up his 500th career rebound.
Tech now faces fourth seeded and reigning Tournament champion Jacksonville State.
Twitter Feed
.@SEMOMBB wins at home and is 2-0, tied with @MSUEaglesMBB atop the @OVCSports. Our prayers are with the @LRTrojans after the death of one of their managers Josh Claxton. Their game with EIU was postponed today.
Good officiating in the @SEMOMBB/@SIUEMBB in a little late game dust up.
BTW, @LindenwoodWBB is 2-0. @CoachAmyEagan has that program headed the right direction.
With @SkyhawkHoops winning on the road and @LUMensBball winning at home, right now, 5 @OVCSports teams are 1-1.
